Take on the fun and challenge of playing chess!  The Akela Chess Classic is a five-round chess tournament open to all Cub Scouts from Lions through Arrow of Light and STEM Scouts in Junior Labs.  Tournament play is in two brackets: Lions/Tigers/Wolves and Bears/Webelos/Arrow of Light/Junior STEM. 

Participants must know the rules of chess as there will be no instruction on site at the tournament.  Tournament play is touch-move, meaning if a player touches a piece he must move it.  Games are at a time limit of one hour. 

Tournament rules are attached as a document to the right.  It is strongly recommended to read the tournament rules before registering.  The rules will also be available on site at the tournament.

Awards:  Each participating Scout receives a custom tournament patch and year rocker.  Trophies/medals will be awarded to first, second, and third place by rank for each of the Cub Scout ranks.  Multiple awards will be issued for ties.

Fees:  The cost is $25.00 per Scout.

What to bring:  Each Scout is to wear the field uniform.  It is preferred for the Scout to bring a bag lunch – no peanuts or nut products please.  A responsible adult must be on site throughout the tournament.  Chess sets will be provided so please do not bring one. 

Registration opens on September 15!  The registration deadline is midnight on January 25. 

When and Where 

February 5, check in at 8:30 AM.  Rounds are at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 2 PM.  Awards at 3:30 PM.

Marriott Scout Service Center

9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814

*Note that following County guidelines (as of now), we will require participants to be masked during the event. However, masks will not be required for lunch, and scouts/families are welcome to go outside if they prefer, or eat while social distanced in the Scout Service Center conference room. 

Contacts 

Peter Snow, Tournament Director, chessacademician@aol.com

Roger Claff, Co-Director, reclaff@aol.com

Interested in Scouts BSA Chess Tournament? It's the following weekend! See here.